Former Celtic defender Charlie Mulgrew defended Virgil van Dijk as Liverpool endure a difficult campaign, whilst Ally McCoist shared his theory on the Reds' captain
Virgil van Dijk.
Virgil van Dijk has been talked up by one of his former teammates.(Image: Getty Images)
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Scotland legend Ally McCoist couldn't hold back his amusement when discussing Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk with former Celtic defender Charlie Mulgrew. The 40-year-old made a playful suggestion that the Reds star took lessons from the Scotland international.
The Liverpool centre-back has experienced a difficult campaign as his decline in form has mirrored the struggles of the Premier League champions. Arne Slot's side are poised to stumble across the finish line after a series of injuries have disrupted their title defence, alongside several disappointing displays throughout the season.
Liverpool are preparing to say goodbye to two experienced figures alongside Van Dijk in the changing room in Mohamed Salah and Andy Robertson, leaving the Dutchman as one of the limited senior players staying. But the Holland international will stick around while the Reds reconstruct without his Premier League and Champions League winning colleagues.
Mulgrew discussed how Van Dijk navigated his difficulties at Celtic during his spell with the Scottish Premiership outfit. The 40-year-old reckons that Liverpool's disappointing season has played a part in his troubles, but stood up for his former club-mate.
Speaking on talkSPORT, Mulgrew prompted laughter from McCoist as he said: "Van Dijk learned a lot from me. He does a lot of radio stuff in Holland and he talks about me. Listen, Van Dijk is a Rolls-Royce. Quickest, strongest, best in the air, best at free-kicks, best technician, there was none (faults).
"He strolled up for the ball, £2.5m we signed him for, what's the catch? He dribbles out, 35 yards, hits the underside of the bar and you're thinking, 'jeez oh, he's a proper player'.
"We played away in a European qualifier, they threw everything in the box, launching it, the big man got a bit bullied that night, he got dropped for the second leg.
"That night, you're thinking, 'the big man's not the best in the air, that's his issue, ' he quickly solved that. Nobody beat him in the air after that."
He continued: "As a centre-back, it's never down to you, you're relying on your midfield, full-backs, 'keeper, the massive thing for a centre-back is that you're looking for clean sheets, the longer the game goes on and you're looking for clean sheets, you look quicker, faster, stronger."
"People are talking as if he's slowed down, maybe not as fit or his legs have gone but it's only because of how Liverpool are doing, there's no way his legs have gone."
Virgil van Dijk with Arne Slot.
Virgil van Dijk with Arne Slot.(Image: James Gill - Danehouse/Getty Images)
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McCoist added: "I've got my own theory on Van Dijk, I actually think at times it looked too easy for him."
Liverpool face a stern test to secure Champions League qualification following their elimination at the hands of PSG. The Reds could take a massive step towards booking their place in Europe's premier club competition with victory over Everton on Sunday.
Liverpool sit three points adrift of Manchester United and Aston Villa, both of whom stumbled last weekend, as their 2-0 victory over Fulham opened up a four-point cushion above Chelsea.
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